SELF DRAINING SABOT

SELF DRAINING SABOT OR

Safety issues after witnessing incidents.Keep kids in the class by not turning them off after multiple capsizes.Better learn to sail outcomes.Modernise the class for long term future

REASONING Improve the recovery after a capsizeMake the boat simpler to sailExisting boats could be modified

AIMNot to make the boat faster aimed at beginner sailorsEnsure it still looks like a SabotMinimise change of handling characteristicsEasily righted from capsize

ConsiderationsTrialled Scuppers as this would be quick cost efficient conversion.This was not a success as the Sabot does not have the speed or stability to drain the water out.Scuppers

Most surviving dinghy classes have false floors or full length side tanks so there is no need to bail. Eg. All of the Olympic classes, Manly Junior, Byte, 125, Bic.Full length side tanks:- boat floats higher when capsized making the centreboard higher to reach. Appearance would be very different. Less space for 2up sailors.

False floor:- a second floor creates additional buoyancy and reduces the volume of water the hull holds. Floats slightly higher with drain/scupper holes for excess to escape. Other OptionsNot a new idea in Sabots:-1970s - some made in NSW but never approved. The false floor was very high altering the sailing characteristics and less room between floor and boom.Early 2000s the PJ version emerged with a lower false floor and a shorter front tank. Once again approval not granted.

False FloorAfter the 70s the buoyancy area was increased to a longer tank front tank.Previously the Sabot Class had little competition from other classes therefore had no reason to support change.Now it is important to retain and attract more sailors by making the class more appealing.Why should it go through now?Removed rear buoyancy tankRemoved automatic bailer

Conversion to False Floor

Shortened centre board case at the bottom front.Prevents the bottom of the board going forward causing difficulties for inexperienced. Experienced sailors do not use this area.Centreboard can still be raked back for light sailors in strong winds. The centreboard case

Added bulk heads to support the floor including lightening and drain holes for air flow and ease of removing water.

The false floor is laid after glassing the bottom side.

Ready to test

Moment of TruthClick on the play button to watch video.

Hiking straps had to be moved inboard as they were higher. Could work with one strap as they are now so close together which would make the boat look even simpler.Further modifications

Bucket, scoop, lanyards and automatic bailer can all go. Simplifying the whole look. The weight removed equalled the modifications.Existing boats can be modified by owners or with a mould such as Dinghy Sports did for the Manly Juniors when they changed. Templates could even be supplied.Bung in stern was considered but these are often forgotten. Safer to keep front inspection port where it has less opportunity to leak.

Other info

All the kids who trialled it loved it and were all positive about it. It was cleaner, simpler, no tangles.Felt different but they liked it.It looks cool.Residual water or water over the bow is easily emptied by simply moving weight back .

Verdict

Centreboard higher to reachThe centreboard at the tip was 40mm higher out of the water and all who have trailed this boat have easily been able to reach the centreboard and right without turtling.

Safety Considerations

The boat floats higher without the water in it. Boarding over the side causes it to roll to windward more than before which spooked a few who entered over the stern. All kids managed to re-board in some fashion, however it was better to cut the transom down for easier for stern entry.Ease of boarding

The gap between floor and boom is reduced but is no less than other similar classes. False floor Sabot 740mm; Opti 700mm; Flying11 750mm. Boom height

A proposal will be submitted by SQSA for consideration by all the zones for discussion.It will be optional which type of buoyancy configuration is used.Time is of the essence with planning underway for production boats.Overtime the best option will persevere. Rule ChangesThe proposed self draining Sabot will benefit the newer less skilled sailors, the future of our class, to progress them quicker to enjoy the Sabot experience. Our current more experienced sailors who capsize little will likely be happy to stick with what they have.The only other class that springs to mind which still has a bailer is our competition.Its time to move ahead and ditch the bucket.Summary